All time high number of women in WA?

[BalaRoja]

Good information! Thank you. I'm doing a lot of riding this year, so maybe in the fall I'll check out the meet the teams rides for fun, I don't know if I would have the time to actually commit to that even if I was at a point where I was good enough to join. So, I'd have to see. But those Tuesday night races look cool! I'd at least like to go as a spectator and see what it's all about first.

I'd listen doubly close to everything Eden tells you. She and others who have commented in this thread, like SheFly, gave some great tips for my first road race which was last weekend.

To give you a different perspective I ride as Eden described 'unattached'. Truthfully none of the teams in my area have remotely interested or impressed me. There's no semblance of mentoring, clinics, recruitment or any sort of initiative on the part of these clubs. Despite that, I didn't get dirty looks or get treated like a leper in the pack during my race because I'd ridden with at least some of the girls in the event.

You on the other hand are in an area that, from Eden's comments at least, is a vibrant hub for women's racing. Soak it in and take advantage of the considerable resources you have nearby. One easy way to dip your toes into the racing world is to sign up for a local TT or a hill climb. If nothing else, definitely go watch the races, talk to people, and maybe even think about volunteering at an event. You'll get at least some feel for how the whole thing works and that can make it less overwhelming and intimidating.